Audi’s highly anticipated RS6 Avant model has hit the southern African market. And it is a beast: 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine, maximum of 412 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque. All which push the car from nothing to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds is on a par with a super sports car. Top speed with the optional dynamic package plus is 305 km/h.
Thanks in no small part to the 8-speed tiptronic with its barely perceptible, yet rapid gearshifts and the standard quattro drivetrain, which uses a centre differential with a higher, locking rate. Audi cylinder on demand technology in the 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine also ensures relatively low fuel consumption figure of just 9.8 l/100 km and an emissions figure of 223 grams/km. Top speed with the optional dynamic package plus is 305 km/h.
The core component of the quattro drivetrain in the Audi RS6 Avant is the self-locking centre differential. The basic configuration of the purely mechanical planetary gear set splits the drive torque asymmetrically between the front and rear axle to promote dynamic handling.
Together with wheel-selective torque control, this allows the drive force to be distributed individually to each wheel as the driving situation dictates. The standard quattro Sport Differential enables the vehicle to turn into corners even more spontaneously and directly. The continuously variable distribution of the drive torque between the rear wheels leads to a tangible increase in driving pleasure.
Adding to the handling dynamics, the standard RS adaptive air suspension combines air suspension with a continuously variable damper system. As it is linked into the Audi drive select feature, the suspension can be customised across a range of characteristics. Benefits of this include a continuously adaptive damping system at all four wheels which automatically adapts to every driving situation in milliseconds, damper control and ground clearance is adjusted depending on which Audi drive select mode is chosen and the body is kept level at all times, even if unevenly loaded, thanks to permanent self-levelling.
The RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control is also offered as an option, however unlike the RS adaptive air suspension, steel coil springs are used which leads to a firmer ride.
The design of the Audi RS6 Avant gives no illusion as to its performance abilities. With a significantly wider front and rear track, wider wheel arches and 21-inch wheels, the RS6 Avant is unmistakable.
Being an Avant, the RS6 is like no other high-performance machine available, and along with its crushing performance, the RS6 can also be hugely practical with a large boot and flexible interior. Being a fully-fledged RS model, the RS6 Avant has wider wheel arches, a RS specific front and rear bumper treatment, twin RS exhaust pipes and brushed-aluminium exterior treatment.
Offering the same top-quality interior as the A6 sedan, travelling in the RS6 Avant is as comfortable as it is sporty. High quality materials abound, while customers can choose to customise the interior to their heart’s content with Audi exclusive. A full list of standard equipment is included offering a superb mix of technology and refinement.
The Audi RS 6 Avant is also extremely practical, offering 565 litres of luggage capacity in standard configuration, which increases to a massive 1680 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The optional dynamic package plus includes ceramic brakes, top speed of 305 km/h, dynamic steering, matrix beam headlights and sports suspension plus with DRC. There are also a wide range of driver assistance systems available, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go function.
Audi side assist, which uses radar sensors to check blindspots when changing lanes, works closely together with Audi active lane assist, which prevents unintended lane changes. The night vision assistant now includes even more functions, with the Audi pre sense basic safety system available as an option. Customers are also able to specify the Audi RS6 Avant with a head-up display system.
The Audi RS6 Avant 4.0T FSI quattro tiptronic is priced at N$ 1,465,000 including the standard Audi Freeway Plan (5 year/100 000km).